RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO
the springtime before the pandemic, focussing on beauty, warmth and the vibrant colours of nature. This collection was created over the winter months during COVID, which gave me time to deep dive into my archives and rediscover all these special pieces. It’s a series I’ve always wanted to do.” In order to effectively capture the sepia palette of The Mara in his artwork, Raphael added pigments and spices local to the areas he visited into his composition. “I’ve always been interested in the raw beauty that Africa provides. For me, nature gives life. Without nature we could not see beauty.” Each layer of paint applied to his photography is the product of complete spontaneity, making his style as organic as the ingredients he uses. In 1999, Raphael embarked on his first trip to Africa with Vogue Greece. There, he challenged the models he photographed to pose alongside a range of dangerous wildlife, including elephants,
Barriers don’t exist for Raphael Mazzucco; not in his art or his travels. For his latest collection, Grass Roots , we follow the internationally acclaimed creator as he journeys back through 25 years of memories from the far reaches of the Mother Continent. Inspired by his time in Africa, this striking series goes back full circle to his early original work, featuring organic, indigenous subjects and tones that mimic the monochromatic grasslands of Maasai Mara, an important wildlife conservation and one of the Ten Natural Wonders of the World. Grass Roots is Raphael’s first major UK exhibition since 2019 and includes 40 originals and four limited edition signed prints. “Working on this new series felt like going through my old diaries,” he explains. “All of these particular images hold great meaning and memory for me. My last collection was photographed and created during
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